My financial aid package went down after my freshman year, even though my family’s finances didn’t change. What happened?
Unfortunately, this is a pretty common occurrence. Financial offices often give students better-than-average financial aid packages for their freshman year to entice the student to attend that school. Once the student enrolls and completes their first year, the aid office often scales back the award somewhat, if they judge that the family can afford it. The financial aid office knows the student will most likely return to school, so the student will be willing to accept a lesser aid package.
If this happens and you can show good financial cause that your family needs a larger aid package like you received your first year, you should file an appeal with your school’s financial aid office. Appealing your financial aid decision never hurts: your award will not be decreased, it will either be revised to meet more demonstrated need, or it will remain the same.
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